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A2 noun #349 le plus courant 14 min de lecture

discussion

Top 349

At the A1 level, a 'discussion' is simply described as a 'talk' between people. It is when you and another person speak about something. For example, 'We had a talk about the party.' At this level, you don't need to use the word 'discussion' often, but you might hear it in class. It means people are sharing their ideas. It is more than just saying 'hello'; it is talking about a specific thing, like a book, a movie, or a plan. You can think of it as a group of friends talking together. The most important thing to know is that it involves more than one person and they are talking about one topic. You might say, 'The teacher wants a discussion,' which means the teacher wants everyone to talk. It is a friendly and easy way to share what you think with others in your class or family.

At the A2 level, you start to use the word 'discussion' to describe a more focused conversation. It is a noun that means a talk about a specific topic. You might have a discussion about your homework, a movie, or what to eat for dinner. It is often used when people want to make a decision together. For example, 'We had a discussion about where to go on holiday.' It is important to remember that 'discussion' is the thing (the noun) and 'discuss' is the action (the verb). At this level, you should know that we have a discussion 'about' something. It is a very useful word for school and work because it sounds a bit more professional than just saying 'talk'. It shows that you are focusing on a particular subject and sharing different opinions with other people to understand it better.

At the B1 level, 'discussion' is a common word used in both social and professional contexts. You understand that a discussion is a structured exchange of ideas, often aimed at solving a problem or reaching an agreement. You can describe the nature of the discussion using adjectives like 'interesting', 'useful', or 'long'. For example, 'We had a very productive discussion about the new project.' You also know common phrases like 'to be under discussion', which means people are currently talking about a topic but haven't decided yet. You are starting to see the difference between a casual 'chat' and a more serious 'discussion'. You can use the word to describe meetings at work or debates in a classroom. It is a key word for expressing that multiple viewpoints are being considered and that the conversation has a specific purpose or goal.

At the B2 level, you use 'discussion' with more precision and variety. You are familiar with a wide range of collocations, such as 'heated discussion', 'fruitful discussion', or 'wide-ranging discussion'. You understand the nuance that a discussion is generally collaborative, whereas a 'debate' might be more competitive. You can use the word in academic writing to describe the section of a paper where results are interpreted. For example, 'The discussion section of the report analyzes the implications of the findings.' You are also aware of the grammatical distinction between the verb 'discuss' (no preposition) and the noun 'discussion' (usually followed by 'about' or 'on'). You can handle more complex sentence structures involving the word, such as 'The matter is currently under active discussion by the board.' This level of usage shows a good grasp of both the formal and informal aspects of the word.

At the C1 level, you recognize 'discussion' as a fundamental element of intellectual and professional discourse. You use it to describe complex processes of deliberation and negotiation. You are comfortable using it in highly formal contexts, such as 'The terms of the treaty are subject to further discussion.' You also understand its use in abstract ways, such as 'the public discussion surrounding climate change', where it refers to a broad societal conversation rather than a single event. You can distinguish between 'discussion', 'dialogue', and 'deliberation' based on the specific context and the intended outcome. Your vocabulary includes sophisticated phrases like 'to facilitate a discussion' or 'to stifle discussion'. You use the word to analyze how ideas are exchanged and how consensus is built in various fields, from law and politics to science and the arts, showing a deep understanding of its social and functional roles.

At the C2 level, you have a masterful command of the word 'discussion' and its many nuances. You can use it to describe the subtle dynamics of human interaction and the complex ways in which knowledge is co-constructed. You might use it in a philosophical sense, referring to the 'intertextual discussion' between different literary works. You are adept at using the word to critique the quality of communication, perhaps noting a 'lack of substantive discussion' in a political debate. You understand how the word functions in various specialized registers, from the 'discussion' of a legal case to the 'discussion' of a scientific hypothesis. You can use it to explore the boundaries of language and thought, recognizing that every discussion is shaped by the cultural and historical context in which it occurs. Your usage is fluid, precise, and reflects a sophisticated understanding of the power of words to shape our shared reality.

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

discussion en 30 secondes

A discussion is a focused talk between people about a specific topic to share ideas or make decisions.
It is a noun that can be formal (like a meeting) or informal (like talking with friends).
Commonly used with verbs like 'have', 'hold', or 'join', and followed by the preposition 'about' or 'on'.
Unlike an argument, a discussion is usually collaborative and aimed at mutual understanding or problem-solving.

The word discussion refers to a collaborative communicative process where two or more individuals engage in an exchange of thoughts, data, or perspectives regarding a specific subject matter. Unlike a lecture, which is unidirectional, a discussion is inherently multidirectional and participatory. It serves as a fundamental pillar of human interaction, facilitating the resolution of conflicts, the generation of innovative ideas, and the deepening of mutual understanding. In a professional environment, a discussion might be formal, involving an agenda and a chairperson, whereas in a social setting, it could be a spontaneous and fluid exchange of personal opinions. The essence of a discussion lies in the active listening and responding of all parties involved, creating a dynamic flow of information that evolves as each person contributes their unique viewpoint.

Core Purpose: To explore various facets of a topic to reach a consensus, solve a problem, or simply share knowledge.

When we engage in a discussion, we are often looking for clarity. It is a tool for critical thinking, allowing participants to test their hypotheses against the logic of others. This process is vital in democratic societies, where public discussion informs policy and social norms. Furthermore, the term implies a level of seriousness or focus; while a 'chat' might be about nothing in particular, a 'discussion' usually has a defined theme. Whether it is a classroom discussion about a historical event or a family discussion about where to go on vacation, the goal is to bring different voices together to form a more complete picture of the situation at hand.

The committee entered into a lengthy discussion regarding the proposed budget changes for the upcoming fiscal year.

In academic contexts, the 'discussion' section of a research paper is where the author interprets the results, explains their significance, and relates them to existing literature. This highlights the word's role in analysis and interpretation. It is not just about stating facts; it is about debating what those facts mean. This nuance is why the word is so common in higher education and professional fields. It suggests a professional maturity and a willingness to engage with complexity rather than seeking simple, one-sided answers.

Social Context: Used in everyday life to describe serious talks between friends, partners, or family members about important life decisions.

After a brief discussion, we decided that the blue paint would look better in the living room than the green one.

The word also carries a connotation of openness. An 'open discussion' is one where everyone is encouraged to speak their mind without fear of judgment. This is a key element of healthy organizational culture and effective teamwork. By fostering an environment where discussion is valued, leaders can tap into the collective intelligence of their group, leading to better decision-making and higher levels of employee engagement. It is the bridge between individual thought and collective action.

The professor encouraged a lively discussion among the students to help them grasp the complex ethical theories.

Formal Usage: Often found in legal or official documents to describe the process of negotiation or deliberation between parties.

The terms of the contract are currently under discussion by the legal representatives of both companies.

There was no further discussion on the matter once the final decision had been announced by the CEO.

Using the word discussion correctly involves understanding its grammatical role as a countable or uncountable noun and the verbs that typically accompany it. Most commonly, we 'have' a discussion, 'hold' a discussion, or 'join' a discussion. These verbs indicate the level of participation and the formality of the event. For example, 'holding a discussion' suggests a more organized or official event, while 'having a discussion' is more general and can apply to any situation. It is also important to note the prepositions that follow: we have a discussion about a topic or a discussion on a subject. Using 'on' often sounds slightly more formal or academic than 'about'.

Common Verb Pairings: To start, lead, facilitate, participate in, or conclude a discussion.

Adjectives play a crucial role in describing the nature of the discussion. A 'heated discussion' implies strong emotions and perhaps some disagreement, while a 'fruitful discussion' means that the talk was productive and led to good results. If a discussion is 'wide-ranging', it covers many different topics. Conversely, a 'brief discussion' is short and to the point. By choosing the right adjective, you can provide a lot of context about the atmosphere and the outcome of the conversation. This allows for more precise communication, especially in writing where tone can be harder to convey.

The board of directors had a discussion about the potential merger, considering all the financial risks involved.

In more formal writing, you might see the phrase 'under discussion'. This means that the topic is currently being talked about or considered. For instance, 'The new policy is still under discussion' indicates that no final decision has been made yet. Another useful phrase is 'to enter into a discussion', which sounds more formal than just 'starting' one. It suggests a deliberate move to begin a serious talk. These variations help you adapt your language to the situation, whether you are writing an email to a colleague or a formal report for a university assignment.

Prepositional Use: 'Discussion with' (the people involved) and 'Discussion about/on' (the topic being discussed).

We need to have a serious discussion with the manager about the lack of resources in our department.

Furthermore, the word can be used to describe the act of debating. In a sentence like 'The discussion centered on the ethical implications of AI', the word 'discussion' acts as the subject that performs the action of 'centering'. This is a common way to structure academic sentences. It moves the focus from the people talking to the talk itself, which makes the writing feel more objective and professional. Understanding these structural patterns is key to moving from intermediate to advanced English proficiency.

There is a lot of discussion in the media lately regarding the impact of social media on mental health.

Common Collocations: Detailed discussion, preliminary discussion, group discussion, panel discussion.

The panel discussion provided a variety of perspectives on the future of renewable energy sources.

The students were divided into small groups for a ten-minute discussion on the chapter they just read.

You will encounter the word discussion in a vast array of environments, ranging from the highly formal to the quite casual. In professional settings, it is a staple of office life. You might hear a manager say, 'Let's have a discussion about your performance review,' or see an email with the subject line 'Discussion regarding the new project timeline.' In these cases, the word signals that a specific topic needs attention and that input is expected. It is a more professional alternative to saying 'Let's talk,' which can sometimes sound too informal or even slightly ominous depending on the context.

Workplace Usage: Used to describe meetings, brainstorming sessions, and performance reviews where feedback is exchanged.

In the world of education, 'discussion' is a key pedagogical tool. Teachers often lead 'class discussions' to encourage students to think critically and express their ideas. You might hear a professor say, 'I'd like to open the floor for discussion,' which is a formal way of inviting students to ask questions or share their thoughts. This usage is common from primary school all the way through to postgraduate seminars. It emphasizes the idea that learning is a social activity and that we can learn a lot from the perspectives of our peers. Online learning platforms also use 'discussion boards' or 'discussion forums' as places for students to interact asynchronously.

The online course includes a weekly discussion forum where students can post their responses to the reading materials.

The news and media are another place where 'discussion' is frequently used. News anchors might introduce a segment by saying, 'Joining us for a discussion on the current economic crisis is...' This indicates a more in-depth look at a topic than a simple news report. Political talk shows are essentially long-form discussions between experts, politicians, and journalists. In this context, the word implies a level of expertise and a serious attempt to analyze complex issues. You might also hear about 'public discussions' or 'town hall discussions' where citizens are invited to voice their opinions on local issues, highlighting the word's role in civic engagement.

Media and News: Used to describe interviews, panels, and analytical segments that go beyond basic reporting.

There has been a lot of public discussion about the need for better public transportation in the city center.

Even in personal lives, the word comes up when things get serious. A couple might say, 'We need to have a discussion about our future,' or parents might have a 'family discussion' about household rules. In these instances, the word 'discussion' elevates the conversation from a casual chat to something that requires focus and perhaps a decision. It signals that the topic is important and that everyone's input matters. This versatility—from the boardroom to the living room—is what makes 'discussion' such a vital word in the English language.

After a long discussion with my parents, I decided to take a gap year before starting university.

Personal Life: Used for serious conversations about relationships, finances, or major life changes.

The doctor and the patient had a thorough discussion about the various treatment options available.

The safety of the children is not up for discussion; we must follow the rules strictly.

One of the most frequent errors learners make with the word discussion involves confusing it with its verb form, 'discuss'. Specifically, many people say 'discuss about something'. In English, 'discuss' is a transitive verb, meaning it takes a direct object without a preposition. You 'discuss a topic'. However, the noun 'discussion' does take a preposition, usually 'about' or 'on'. So, you have a 'discussion about a topic'. This distinction is a common pitfall even for advanced learners, as the brain often wants to apply the same rule to both the noun and the verb. Remembering 'discuss [thing]' versus 'discussion about [thing]' is a key step toward sounding more natural.

The 'About' Trap: Incorrect: 'We discussed about the movie.' Correct: 'We discussed the movie' OR 'We had a discussion about the movie.'

Another common mistake is confusing 'discussion' with 'argument'. In many languages, the word for 'discussion' can also mean a disagreement or a fight. In English, however, a 'discussion' is generally neutral or positive, implying a constructive exchange of ideas. An 'argument' usually implies a conflict where people are trying to prove each other wrong, often with raised voices or negative emotions. If you tell your boss, 'I had an argument with a client,' they might be worried. If you say, 'I had a discussion with a client,' it sounds like a normal part of business. Using the wrong word here can significantly change how people perceive the situation you are describing.

Incorrect: 'My parents had a big discussion and now they aren't speaking.' (Better: argument)

There is also the issue of countability. 'Discussion' can be both countable and uncountable. When referring to the general activity of talking about things, it is uncountable: 'There was much discussion in the room.' When referring to a specific instance or event, it is countable: 'We had three separate discussions today.' Learners sometimes struggle with when to use 'a' or 'the' or when to use the plural form. A good rule of thumb is that if you can point to a specific start and end time for the talk, it is likely countable. If you are talking about the general atmosphere of debate, it is likely uncountable.

Countable vs. Uncountable: Countable: 'A discussion', 'Two discussions'. Uncountable: 'Some discussion', 'A lot of discussion'.

Correct: 'The matter requires further discussion.' (Uncountable usage here)

Finally, watch out for the spelling. It is often misspelled with one 's' in the middle (discusion) or with a 't' instead of the second 's' (discution). The double 's' is essential. Also, remember that the suffix '-ion' turns the verb 'discuss' into a noun. This is a common pattern in English (e.g., act/action, create/creation), and recognizing it can help you expand your vocabulary more quickly. Practice writing the word several times to build muscle memory for the correct spelling, as it is a word you will likely use often in academic and professional writing.

Correct: 'The discussion was very helpful.' (Note the double 's' and the '-ion' ending)

Spelling Tip: Think of 'double S for a double-sided talk'.

We had a discussion about the spelling of difficult English words.

The formal discussion between the two leaders lasted for several hours.

While discussion is a very versatile word, there are several alternatives that might be more precise depending on the context. 'Conversation' is perhaps the most common synonym, but it is generally more informal and less focused on a specific outcome. You have a conversation with a friend about your day, but you have a discussion with a colleague about a project. 'Dialogue' is another similar word, often used to describe a formal exchange between two groups or countries, especially when trying to resolve a conflict. It suggests a more balanced and serious exchange than a simple discussion.

Comparison: Discussion vs. Conversation: Discussion: Focused, often goal-oriented, can be formal. Conversation: General, social, usually informal.

'Debate' is another word often confused with discussion. However, a debate usually involves two opposing sides trying to win an argument or persuade an audience. In a discussion, the goal is often to explore a topic together rather than to 'win'. 'Consultation' is used when one person or group seeks the advice or opinion of another, such as a 'consultation with a doctor'. 'Deliberation' is a very formal word, often used for the process of a jury or a committee making a difficult decision. It implies a very careful and slow weighing of all the options.

The discussion was more of a friendly exchange than a formal debate.

In more casual settings, you might use words like 'chat', 'talk', or 'natter' (British English). These all imply a much lower level of formality and focus. If you say, 'We had a quick chat about the weather,' it sounds very different from saying, 'We had a discussion about the weather.' The latter might imply you were analyzing weather patterns or climate change. Choosing the right word helps you set the right tone for your story or report. It shows that you understand the social nuances of the English language, which is a key part of fluency.

Comparison: Discussion vs. Debate: Discussion: Collaborative, exploring ideas. Debate: Competitive, opposing sides, trying to persuade.

After much deliberation, the jury reached a verdict late in the evening.

Other words include 'symposium' or 'seminar' for academic discussions, and 'conference' or 'summit' for very large, high-level discussions. 'Brainstorming' is a specific type of discussion aimed at generating new ideas quickly. 'Negotiation' is a discussion where people are trying to reach an agreement, especially in business or politics. By learning these synonyms, you can avoid repeating the word 'discussion' too many times in your writing, making your prose more varied and interesting to read. This is especially important in longer essays or reports.

The brainstorming discussion led to several innovative solutions for the marketing campaign.

Comparison: Discussion vs. Negotiation: Discussion: General exchange of ideas. Negotiation: Specific exchange aimed at reaching a formal agreement.

The negotiations were tough, but both sides eventually agreed on the terms.

The book provides a fascinating discourse on the history of modern art.

How Formal Is It?

Formel

Neutre

Informel

Child friendly

Argot

Le savais-tu ?

The root 'discutere' also gave us the word 'quash', meaning to reject or void.

Guide de prononciation

UK /dɪˈskʌʃ.ən/

US /dɪˈskʌʃ.ən/

Second syllable: di-SCUS-sion

Rime avec

concussion percussion repercussion discussion session profession confession obsession

Erreurs fréquentes

Pronouncing the 'ss' as a 'z' sound.
Putting the stress on the first syllable.
Mispronouncing the 'ion' as 'ee-on'.
Missing the 'u' sound in the middle.
Making the 'd' sound too soft.

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 2/5

The word is common in many types of texts.

Écriture 3/5

Spelling and preposition use can be tricky.

Expression orale 2/5

Commonly used in daily conversation.

Écoute 2/5

Easily recognized in most contexts.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

talk speak topic idea people

Apprends ensuite

debate negotiation consensus deliberation dialogue

Avancé

discourse dialectic consultation brainstorming symposium

Grammaire à connaître

Nouns vs Verbs

You 'discuss' (verb) a topic, but you have a 'discussion' (noun) about it.

Prepositions

Use 'about' or 'on' after the noun 'discussion'.

Countability

'Discussion' is countable when referring to a specific event.

Adjective placement

Adjectives like 'heated' or 'fruitful' come before 'discussion'.

Articles

Use 'a' for an unspecified discussion and 'the' for a specific one.

Exemples par niveau

We had a short discussion about the game.

Nous avons eu une courte discussion sur le jeu.

Uses 'a' because it is a countable noun.

The class discussion was very fun.

La discussion en classe était très amusante.

Compound noun: 'class discussion'.

Do you want to have a discussion?

Veux-tu avoir une discussion ?

Common verb pairing: 'have a discussion'.

They had a discussion about food.

Ils ont eu une discussion sur la nourriture.

Preposition 'about' follows the noun.

Our discussion was very long.

Notre discussion a été très longue.

Adjective 'long' describes the noun.

Is there a discussion today?

Y a-t-il une discussion aujourd'hui ?

Question form with 'is there'.

We need a discussion about the rules.

Nous avons besoin d'une discussion sur les règles.

Verb 'need' followed by the noun phrase.

The discussion ended at five o'clock.

La discussion s'est terminée à cinq heures.

Past tense verb 'ended' with the noun subject.

We had a discussion about our holiday plans.

Nous avons eu une discussion sur nos projets de vacances.

Focuses on a specific topic.

The discussion helped us make a decision.

La discussion nous a aidés à prendre une décision.

Shows the purpose of the discussion.

Please join the discussion on our website.

Veuillez rejoindre la discussion sur notre site web.

Imperative verb 'join'.

We had a group discussion in English class.

Nous avons eu une discussion de groupe en cours d'anglais.

Adjective 'group' modifies the noun.

There was a lot of discussion about the new movie.

Il y a eu beaucoup de discussions sur le nouveau film.

Uncountable usage with 'a lot of'.

The discussion lasted for two hours.

La discussion a duré deux heures.

Duration expressed with 'lasted for'.

I missed the discussion this morning.

J'ai raté la discussion ce matin.

Verb 'missed' with the noun object.

Let's have a discussion after lunch.

Ayons une discussion après le déjeuner.

Suggestion using 'let's'.

The manager led a discussion about the new office rules.

Le manager a mené une discussion sur les nouvelles règles du bureau.

Verb 'led' indicates a structured talk.

We need to have a serious discussion about your grades.

Nous devons avoir une discussion sérieuse sur tes notes.

Adjective 'serious' adds tone.

The topic is still under discussion by the committee.

Le sujet est toujours en cours de discussion par le comité.

Phrase 'under discussion' means ongoing.

It was a very fruitful discussion that led to many ideas.

Ce fut une discussion très fructueuse qui a mené à de nombreuses idées.

Adjective 'fruitful' means productive.

The discussion centered on the importance of recycling.

La discussion a porté sur l'importance du recyclage.

Verb 'centered on' defines the focus.

There is no room for discussion on this matter.

Il n'y a pas de place pour la discussion sur ce sujet.

Idiomatic phrase meaning the decision is final.

The students engaged in a lively discussion about history.

Les étudiants ont engagé une discussion animée sur l'histoire.

Verb 'engaged in' is more formal than 'had'.

The discussion was interrupted by a phone call.

La discussion a été interrompue par un appel téléphonique.

Passive voice 'was interrupted'.

A heated discussion broke out during the meeting.

Une discussion animée a éclaté pendant la réunion.

Adjective 'heated' implies strong emotion.

The discussion section of the paper is quite detailed.

La section discussion de l'article est assez détaillée.

Refers to a specific part of a document.

We had a wide-ranging discussion covering several topics.

Nous avons eu une discussion de large portée couvrant plusieurs sujets.

Adjective 'wide-ranging' means broad.

The preliminary discussions were held in private.

Les discussions préliminaires se sont tenues en privé.

Plural form refers to a series of talks.

The discussion was characterized by a lack of consensus.

La discussion a été caractérisée par un manque de consensus.

Formal academic structure.

He avoided the discussion by changing the subject.

Il a évité la discussion en changeant de sujet.

Verb 'avoided' with the noun object.

The panel discussion featured experts from various fields.

La discussion d'experts mettait en vedette des spécialistes de divers domaines.

Compound noun 'panel discussion'.

Further discussion is required before we can proceed.

Une discussion plus approfondie est nécessaire avant de pouvoir continuer.

Uncountable usage with 'further'.

The discussion facilitated a deeper understanding of the issue.

La discussion a facilité une compréhension plus profonde de la question.

Verb 'facilitated' is high-level.

There is a growing public discussion about data privacy.

Il y a une discussion publique croissante sur la confidentialité des données.

Refers to a societal trend.

The discussion was stifled by the chairman's interruptions.

La discussion a été étouffée par les interruptions du président.

Verb 'stifled' means suppressed.

The book contributes to the ongoing discussion on ethics.

Le livre contribue à la discussion en cours sur l'éthique.

Metaphorical use of 'discussion'.

The discussion transcended mere political differences.

La discussion a transcendé les simples différences politiques.

Verb 'transcended' means went beyond.

A substantive discussion is needed to address the root causes.

Une discussion de fond est nécessaire pour s'attaquer aux causes profondes.

Adjective 'substantive' means meaningful.

The discussion was marked by a high degree of civility.

La discussion a été marquée par un haut degré de civilité.

Formal description of tone.

The results of the discussion were inconclusive.

Les résultats de la discussion n'ont pas été concluants.

Adjective 'inconclusive' means no result.

The discussion serves as a catalyst for social change.

La discussion sert de catalyseur au changement social.

Metaphorical use of 'catalyst'.

The nuances of the discussion were lost in the translation.

Les nuances de la discussion ont été perdues dans la traduction.

Refers to subtle details.

The discussion highlighted the inherent contradictions in the theory.

La discussion a mis en évidence les contradictions inhérentes à la théorie.

Academic analysis of a talk.

A robust discussion is essential for a healthy democracy.

Une discussion robuste est essentielle pour une démocratie saine.

Adjective 'robust' means strong and vigorous.

The discussion was framed within a historical context.

La discussion s'inscrivait dans un contexte historique.

Verb 'framed' describes the perspective.

The discussion devolved into a series of personal attacks.

La discussion a dégénéré en une série d'attaques personnelles.

Verb 'devolved' means worsened.

The discussion elucidated several complex points of law.

La discussion a élucidé plusieurs points de droit complexes.

Verb 'elucidated' means made clear.

The discussion was a testament to their shared commitment.

La discussion était un témoignage de leur engagement commun.

Phrase 'testament to' means proof of.

Synonymes

conversation talk dialogue debate exchange consultation

Antonymes

silence quiet monologue

Collocations courantes

have a discussion

heated discussion

fruitful discussion

under discussion

panel discussion

group discussion

open discussion

detailed discussion

brief discussion

public discussion

Phrases Courantes

up for discussion

not up for discussion

enter into a discussion

open the floor for discussion

lead a discussion

a matter of discussion

close the discussion

further discussion

in discussion with

spark a discussion

Souvent confondu avec

discussion vs argument

An argument is a conflict; a discussion is an exchange of ideas.

discussion vs conversation

A conversation is social; a discussion is usually focused on a topic.

discussion vs lecture

A lecture is one person talking; a discussion involves many people.

Expressions idiomatiques

"beat around the bush"

To avoid the main topic of a discussion.

Stop beating around the bush and tell me what you think.

informal

"get to the point"

To reach the most important part of a discussion.

Please get to the point; we don't have much time.

neutral

"talk shop"

To discuss work matters in a social setting.

Even at the party, they were talking shop.

informal

"speak your mind"

To say exactly what you think in a discussion.

Don't be afraid to speak your mind during the meeting.

neutral

"see eye to eye"

To agree with someone in a discussion.

We don't always see eye to eye on politics.

informal

"on the same page"

To have the same understanding in a discussion.

We need to make sure everyone is on the same page.

informal

"food for thought"

Something that provides a lot to discuss or think about.

His presentation gave us a lot of food for thought.

neutral

"put your heads together"

To have a discussion to solve a problem.

If we put our heads together, we can find a solution.

informal

"air your grievances"

To have a discussion about things that make you unhappy.

The meeting was a chance for employees to air their grievances.

neutral

"bring to the table"

To contribute an idea to a discussion.

What new ideas can you bring to the table?

neutral

Facile à confondre

discussion vs discuss

It is the verb form.

You 'discuss' something (no preposition), but you have a 'discussion about' something.

Let's discuss the plan. / Let's have a discussion about the plan.

discussion vs debate

Both involve talking about a topic.

A debate is competitive with opposing sides; a discussion is collaborative.

The debate had a winner, but the discussion had a consensus.

discussion vs dialogue

Both mean an exchange of ideas.

Dialogue is often more formal and between two specific parties.

The political dialogue was successful.

discussion vs chat

Both mean talking.

A chat is very informal and lacks a specific goal.

We had a chat about the weather.

discussion vs meeting

A meeting often includes a discussion.

A meeting is the event; a discussion is the activity within the event.

The meeting included a long discussion about sales.

Structures de phrases

We had a discussion.

We had a discussion about the cat.

We had a discussion about [topic].

We had a discussion about our homework.

The discussion was [adjective].

The discussion was very helpful.

The topic is under discussion.

The new plan is under discussion.

The discussion centered on [topic].

The discussion centered on human rights.

The discussion served as a [noun].

The discussion served as a turning point.

I joined the discussion.

I joined the discussion on the forum.

A [adjective] discussion broke out.

A heated discussion broke out in the office.

Famille de mots

Noms

Verbes

Adjectifs

Apparenté

Comment l'utiliser

frequency

Very high in both spoken and written English.

Erreurs courantes

We discussed about the problem. → We discussed the problem.
The verb 'discuss' does not take the preposition 'about'.
We had a discusion. → We had a discussion.
The word is spelled with two 's's.
I had a big discussion with my brother and now I'm sad. → I had a big argument with my brother.
If it was a fight, 'argument' is the better word.
The discussion centered in the topic. → The discussion centered on the topic.
The correct preposition with 'centered' is 'on'.
He gave a long discussion. → He led a long discussion.
We usually 'have', 'hold', or 'lead' a discussion, not 'give' one.

Astuces

Noun vs Verb

Always remember: Noun = discussion about; Verb = discuss (no about).

Use Adjectives

Use words like 'lively', 'brief', or 'serious' to describe your discussion.

Active Listening

A good discussion requires listening as much as speaking.

Formal Reports

Use 'the matter is under discussion' to sound more professional.

Double S

Don't forget the double 's' in the middle of the word.

Open the Floor

Use this phrase to invite others to speak in a group setting.

Consensus

In many cultures, the goal of a discussion is to reach an agreement.

Research Papers

The discussion section is where you explain what your results mean.

Same Page

Use this to check if everyone understands the discussion in the same way.

Agenda

Formal discussions often follow a list of topics called an agenda.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of 'Discuss' + 'Ion'. Two 'S's for two 'S'peakers having a talk.

Association visuelle

Imagine two people sitting across a table with a speech bubble between them containing the word 'TOPIC'.

Word Web

topic ideas opinions talk meeting agreement debate people

Défi

Try to use the word 'discussion' three times in a conversation today about something you are planning.

Origine du mot

The word comes from the Latin 'discussio', which means an examination or a shaking.

Sens originel : It originally referred to the act of shaking something to pieces or examining it closely.

Latin -> Old French -> Middle English

Contexte culturel

Be aware that some topics may be too sensitive for a public discussion in certain cultures.

Discussions are often expected to be polite but can become 'heated' if the topic is controversial.

The 'Discussion' section of scientific papers. Panel discussions on news networks like BBC or CNN. Town hall discussions in local government.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Work

performance discussion
budget discussion
project discussion
team discussion

School

class discussion
group discussion
discussion board
topic for discussion

Home

family discussion
serious discussion
dinner discussion
brief discussion

News

public discussion
panel discussion
expert discussion
ongoing discussion

Legal

under discussion
preliminary discussion
formal discussion
legal discussion

Amorces de conversation

"I'd like to start a discussion about our next project."

"What are your thoughts on the discussion we had yesterday?"

"Can we have a brief discussion about the new office rules?"

"I think this topic deserves a much deeper discussion."

"Would you like to join our discussion on the future of technology?"

Sujets d'écriture

Write about a discussion you had recently that changed your mind about something.

Describe what makes a 'good' discussion in your opinion.

Reflect on a time when a discussion turned into an argument and why.

How do you feel about participating in large group discussions?

Write about a topic you think needs more public discussion in your country.

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

Yes, it can be both countable and uncountable. You can say 'a discussion' or 'much discussion'.

No, that is a common mistake. You should say 'discuss the topic' or 'have a discussion about the topic'.

It is a discussion where people have strong feelings and might be getting angry or excited.

It is spelled with two 's's in the middle: d-i-s-c-u-s-s-i-o-n.

It is a discussion where a group of experts talk about a topic in front of an audience.

Not usually. A discussion is for sharing ideas, while an argument is often a disagreement.

It means that a topic is currently being talked about and no decision has been made yet.

Yes, you can have an informal discussion with friends or family.

It is a discussion that produces good results or many new ideas.

You can start by saying, 'I'd like to have a discussion about...' followed by your topic.